Awareness is Power: Intensive IEC Campaign Launched in Cachar and Hailakandi

The Intensive IEC Campaign under the Assam State AIDS Control Society was launched on Wednesday (August 13) in both Cachar and Hailakandi districts, with the twin aim of spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and healthy lifestyle practices among students and the wider public.

In a decisive step towards combating HIV/AIDS through mass awareness and community mobilisation, the Cachar district administration launched an intensified IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaign that combined symbolic action with grassroots outreach.

The initiative began with a gathering at the District Commissioner’s office, where District Commissioner Mridul Yadav addressed participants before ceremoniously flagging off a rally through Silchar’s bustling streets.

“An informed society is our strongest weapon against HIV/AIDS. We must break the barriers of silence and stigma, encourage early testing, and ensure that every person living with HIV has access to proper treatment and support. This campaign is not just about information, it is about compassion, acceptance, and collective responsibility,” said Yadav.

His remarks drew enthusiastic applause from health workers, students, volunteers, and members of civil society, many of whom had gathered to take part in the rally. Featuring placards, banners, and vibrant slogans, the rally passed through key points of Silchar, spreading the campaign’s message far beyond the formal venues. Participants included health officials, student representatives, and community members, all united in their call for prevention, testing, treatment adherence, and the eradication of discrimination.

Following the rally, the focus shifted to Women’s College, Silchar, where the inaugural awareness session was held. A designated resource person led an engaging presentation on HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, the importance of timely diagnosis, the need for consistent treatment, and ways to counter misconceptions and prejudice. The interactive session encouraged students to voice questions and share their perspectives, reinforcing the campaign’s emphasis on youth-led advocacy.

Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Additional District Commissioner (Health) Khaleda S. Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner and Branch Officer (Health) Deepa Das, Joint Director of Health Services Cachar Dr Shibananda Roy, and Principal of Women’s College Silchar Dr Sujit Tewari. Each expressed strong support for the district’s sustained public health drive, underlining the importance of collective participation in eradicating HIV-related stigma.

Health officials confirmed that the campaign will continue with targeted outreach programmes in educational institutions, marketplaces, and rural areas. Street plays, rallies, interactive community meetings, and the distribution of IEC materials will be the primary tools of engagement. Special focus will be placed on mobilising young people, addressing women’s health priorities, and reaching high-risk groups with tailored interventions.

This district-level effort aligns with Assam’s commitment to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 global target—ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. Officials believe that with sustained engagement and strong community partnerships, Cachar can move steadily towards a stigma-free, HIV-free society.

In Hailakandi, the launch took place at S. S. College with a meeting attended by senior administrative and health officials, the college principal, NSS volunteers, and students. Speakers highlighted the role of youth in creating informed, responsible communities and the need for collective action to prevent HIV/AIDS.

Following the meeting, a rally was flagged off, covering key areas of Hailakandi town and spreading messages on prevention, care, and available health services.

Last year, the campaign was also held in both districts, covering various towns and villages to inform people about HIV/AIDS. The campaign used traditional communication techniques such as street play to relay the message to various vulnerable communities. The mission continues this year with renewed energy and commitment.

The Assam State AIDS Control Society has made it clear that eradicating HIV/AIDS from the state is the ultimate goal. Believing that “knowledge is power”, the campaign takes information directly to students and communities, aiming to replace fear and stigma with awareness and informed choices.

The day’s events in Cachar and Hailakandi ended with a united call for a healthier, stigma-free Assam, where every citizen plays an active role in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The Assam State AIDS Control Society is the state-level body responsible for implementing the National AIDS Control Programme in Assam. Its work includes preventing the spread of HIV, ensuring access to testing and treatment, supporting people living with HIV, and reducing stigma and discrimination.

The IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaign is one of its key strategies, designed to raise awareness through public meetings, rallies, educational sessions, and distribution of informational materials in all districts of Assam. By taking knowledge directly to communities, the campaign seeks to empower people with the facts they need to protect themselves, make informed choices, and support others in the fight against HIV/AIDS.